What is Climate Change / Global Warming?
Historical Background
Key Points
10 points- 1.
Primarily caused by anthropogenic (human-induced) emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases.
- 2.
Major drivers include the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas), deforestation, industrial processes, and certain agricultural practices.
- 3.
Impacts include rising global average temperatures, sea-level rise, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (heatwaves, droughts, floods, storms), ocean acidification, and biodiversity loss.
- 4.
The '1.5°C warming threshold' (relative to pre-industrial levels) is a critical target from the Paris Agreement, aiming to avoid the most catastrophic and irreversible impacts of climate change.
- 5.
Mitigation strategies focus on reducing GHG emissions through renewable energy transition, energy efficiency, carbon capture technologies, and sustainable land management.
- 6.
Adaptation strategies involve adjusting to actual or expected future climate, such as building resilient infrastructure, developing early warning systems, and climate-resilient agriculture.
- 7.
The concept of 'climate justice' and 'common but differentiated responsibilities' acknowledges the historical contributions of developed nations to emissions and the disproportionate impacts on developing countries.
- 8.
Scientific consensus on human-induced climate change is robust and consistently affirmed by IPCC reports.
- 9.
The UN now suggests the 1.5°C limit may be breached even sooner than the 2030 projection from the previous IPCC report.
- 10.
Policy responses include international agreements (Paris Agreement), national climate plans (NDCs), and domestic legislation.
Visual Insights
Evolution of Global Climate Action & India's Role (1988-2025)
This timeline highlights key international agreements, scientific assessments, and India's policy milestones in addressing climate change, providing a chronological understanding of the global response.
The scientific understanding of climate change solidified in the mid-20th century, leading to international efforts to address it. From initial conventions to binding protocols and comprehensive agreements, the global response has evolved, with India playing an increasingly significant role in both policy and action.
- 1988Establishment of IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) by UNEP & WMO.
- 1992Rio Earth Summit; Adoption of UNFCCC (UN Framework Convention on Climate Change).
- 1997Kyoto Protocol adopted (entered into force 2005), setting binding emission reduction targets for developed countries.
- 2008India launches National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
- 2015Paris Agreement adopted, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C.
- 2021-2023IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) released, providing updated scientific consensus.
- 2022India updates its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with ambitious targets.
- 2023COP28 in Dubai concludes with a call for transitioning away from fossil fuels and operationalizing Loss and Damage Fund.
- 2025Continued implementation of Paris Agreement; focus on climate finance and adaptation strategies.
Climate Change: Causes, Impacts & Global Response
This mind map illustrates the interconnected aspects of climate change, from its fundamental causes and observed impacts to the global strategies for mitigation and adaptation, crucial for a holistic understanding.
Climate Change
- ●Causes
- ●Key GHGs
- ●Observed Impacts
- ●Global Response
Recent Developments
6 developmentsGlobal average temperatures continue to rise, with 2023 confirmed as the warmest year on record, intensifying calls for urgent action.
Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events globally, leading to significant economic and social losses.
Growing investments in renewable energy and green technologies, alongside debates on the pace of fossil fuel phase-out.
Discussions around 'loss and damage' funding for vulnerable nations severely impacted by climate change are gaining traction.
Technological advancements in areas like carbon capture, geoengineering, and climate modeling are evolving.
The news highlights continued skepticism and funding cuts for climate research in some countries, posing challenges to global efforts.